Saturday, March 21, 2009

I am very excited to announce that I will be leaving Sunday morning for Arizona's Valley of the Sun. My father-in-law Al and his buddy Joe are heading down to take in some Cactus League spring training baseball (and NCAA basketball if the sports Gods are smiling upon them), and they've retained my services as personal chef, bodyguard, and wingman.

As exciting as it is getting the chance to watch my beloved San Francisco Giants prepare for another heartbreaking season, the thing I'm most pumped for is the train ride. My father worked for the Lehigh Valley Railroad and trains have always held a certain romance for me.

There's a very good chance that the train pictured here (you can see the "Finger Lakes" on the side of the engine), was probably piloted by my father John at some point (like 40 years ago). He actually met my mother Pauline while traveling along the route through western New York, one of the stops being in her hometown of Manchester.

Well, enough of the family history, I just wanted to give you all a heads-up in case you don't see any new posts for a few days, and/or I don't reply to your comments or emails in my usual timely manner.

I'm told the hotel rooms where we're staying have full kitchens, so you very well may see me work my magic from the road. Hey, if I can make a toasted cheese sandwich with an iron in Vegas, I should be able to film at least one meal there. Stay tuned!

Note to this group of visiting baseball buddies:(using Susannah's theme)

Shortstop! No playing in the outfield, or the infield. Do not steal any bases, or run around them. There is a three strike rule, and foul balls add up. Keep your locker and your language tidy. Do not get out of rotation or throw your bat. Run your fastest, play smart and follow the rules.